The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Ever since the First Emperor mentioned during the last Mid-Autumn Festival that mooncakes were quite similar to the food made in the palace's Shangshi Room, Meng Yi had wanted to find out more.

However, due to the Yunyang plague, he had to put the matter aside for the time being. Having nothing else to do recently, Meng Yi decided to go to the Shangshifang today to investigate.

The Shangshifang is located in the southeast corner of the imperial city, some distance away from the Meng Mansion.

Along the way, Meng Yi sighed inwardly: "Could it be that Gao Yao still hasn't escaped his fate of becoming a eunuch?"

When Meng Yi finally arrived at the Shangshifang, he was stopped by the guards at the door. These guards were wearing armor, holding weapons, and had serious expressions, looking very majestic.

Meng Yi explained his purpose to them and handed over his ID.

After a thorough inspection, the guards let him pass. After entering the outer door of the Imperial Kitchen, Meng Yi encountered another group of armored guards. They also stopped Meng Yi and demanded to inspect his belongings. Meng Yi felt somewhat helpless, but he still cooperated with their inspection. Only after everything was cleared was he allowed to continue on his way.

After passing through numerous checkpoints, Meng Yi finally arrived at the interior of the Shangshifang, a spacious courtyard surrounded by many rooms.

There was a bustling scene in the food room.

The food room was filled with fragrance. On the rows of exquisite stoves, flames were jumping and cooking utensils were clanging, as if they were playing a magnificent symphony.

The imperial chefs, dressed in plain white, worked busily and orderly, their movements as natural and smooth as flowing water, and every detail showcased their exquisite skills.

At the heart of the Imperial Kitchen lies a vast chopping board, covered in a dazzling array of fresh ingredients. Juicy green vegetables, vibrant fruits, and crisply textured meats exude an alluring aroma. The imperial chefs expertly select the ingredients and meticulously chop them, each cut a work of art.

At the stove, chefs hold large spoons, stirring the delicacies in the pot, the flames licking the bottom of the pot, making crackling sounds. Their skillful blending of various seasonings transforms them into delicious sauces, adding unique flavors to the dishes.

Elsewhere, pastry chefs are crafting exquisite pastries. Their deft fingers knead the dough into various shapes, embellishing them with delicate patterns before steaming them in baskets. As they emerge from the steaming baskets, the pastries exude a tempting sweet aroma.

In a corner of the dining room, rows of exquisite tableware were laid out. The silverware gleamed, the porcelain was as delicate as silk. The waiters carefully plated the cooked dishes, arranging them like works of art.

Meng Yi stopped a busy waiter and asked, "Excuse me, who made the new cakes that Your Majesty enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival?"

The waiter stopped what he was doing, looked up at Meng Yi, and said angrily, "Go away, where did you come from, you little brat? You have no sense at all. Can't you see we're busy preparing lunch for His Majesty?"

Meng Yi frowned and was about to take out a few Qin Ban Liang coins when he heard a sharp voice: "Oh my, General Meng, what brings you to the Shangshi Room?"

The waiter beside him heard this voice, his face changed, and he quickly bowed and said, "Master, the headmaster!"

A wealthy, fair-faced eunuch emerged from inside. He scowled at the waiter and cursed, "Wei Da, how could you be so blind? Did you know this man is the lieutenant, the younger brother of General Meng?"

The eunuch turned around, a flattering smile on his face, bowed to Meng Yi, and said respectfully, "Sir Lieutenant, I am Bai Li, the head of the Imperial Food Office."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, not showing any arrogance or disrespect because of his status. Instead, he responded very politely: "Master Bai."

However, Bai Li's expression suddenly changed, becoming serious and stern. He loudly reprimanded the waiter who had neglected his duty, his voice filled with majesty and anger: "You blind man! How dare you neglect your duties like this! Why don't you apologize to the lieutenant quickly?"

The waiter was frightened by Bai Li's scolding. His face turned pale in an instant, and he trembled all over. His legs gave way and he knelt on the ground, kowtowed and begged for mercy, his voice trembling: "Lieutenant, I know I was wrong. I deserve to die. Please forgive me!"

Meng Yi smiled slightly, waved his hand gently, and said calmly that he didn't care about it. "It's okay."

Bai Li glared at the waiter fiercely, then signaled with his eyes that he should leave quickly to avoid further embarrassing himself here.

The waiter seemed to have been granted amnesty. He quickly got up from the ground, lowered his head and left the room in shame.

Meng Yi frowned and stared at Bai Li with a puzzled look, as if he was puzzled by Bai Li's sudden enthusiasm.

Bai Li quickly explained, "When Your Majesty last went to Jiuyuan to patrol the border, I had the honor of accompanying him. At that time, I was fortunate to hear the Lieutenant's words, 'Whoever offends the Great Qin will be punished, no matter how far away they are.' Although I am not a scholar or a warrior, and cannot fight like the generals, I was deeply moved."

Meng Yi couldn't help but laugh at Bai Li's righteous words, but replied with a smile, "Master Bai, thank you for your praise. You are able to serve His Majesty well and be loyal to the Qin Dynasty."

Bai Li nodded quickly and continued, "Your Excellency is right. Your Excellency, you have recently enforced the law impartially, defying the powerful and saving hundreds of innocent children. This feat is truly admirable! Although I am only an eunuch, I possess a heart of justice."

Meng Yi smiled slightly, acknowledging Bai Li's words, and responded, "Master Bai is too modest. Even though I hold a low position, I still worry about my country. Things must be settled before I die. The reason our Great Qin was able to unify the world is because every Qin citizen is willing to sacrifice their lives for the country."

"Haha, well said!" Bai Li clapped excitedly, his face filled with excitement and joy. "Lieutenant, you are not only incredibly brave, but also so knowledgeable. How rare! If everyone in our Great Qin could be like you, why would we worry about the unrest in the world?"

Meng Yi smiled slightly and said modestly: "Master Bai, you are too kind. I am just telling the truth." He looked at Bai Li with deep eyes and a smile.

Bai Li's heart tightened, and he quickly changed the subject: "Lieutenant, I wonder why you came to the food room today? If you need anything, please let me know."

Meng Yi raised his lips slightly and said softly, "Master Bai, I came here to ask you about the new pastry."

"Oh?" Bai Li's eyes flashed with surprise, then he understood and smiled, "I see. That new pastry was created by a pastry chef in my Shangshi Room. It's called 'Moon Cake'. It's made with glutinous rice flour and filled with various fillings. It's shaped like a full moon, symbolizing reunion and happiness."

Meng Yi nodded, showing appreciation: "That's an interesting name. I wonder how the cake tastes?"

Bai Li smiled flatteringly and said, "Lieutenant, the new pastry was made by Gao. I will take you to find him." After that, he took Meng Yi to the kitchen.